Adam Orth, Creative Director at Microsoft Studio’s, has caused a bit of a controversy amongst gaming fans with tweets regarding a rumoured always-online requirement for the next Xbox.

Orth made a series of comments on his Twitter account (which is now protected), saying:

“Sorry, I don’t get the drama around having an ‘always-on’ console. Every device is now ‘always-on’. #dealwithit”

He went on to compare not buying a console due to it requiring an online connection to not buying a phone in an area with bad reception, or not buying a vacuum cleaner because electricity drops out here.

The uproar resulted in many fans taking that as confirmation that Microsoft’s unannounced console would require the users to have a constant internet connection.

However, Microsoft have now released an official statement regarding Orth’s comments, saying:

“We are aware of the comments made by an employee on Twitter. This person is not a spokesperson for Microsoft, and his personal views are not reflective of those of the company. We have not made any announcements about our product roadmap, and have no further comment on this matter.”

We’ve already seen what having these requirements can do with SimCity and Diablo III, but while nothing has been announced regarding their next console, if this news ends up being confirmed you’d have to think it is a public image blow to Microsoft. Especially since Sony confirmed the PlayStation 4 would not need one.

What do you think of always online requirements? Leave your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned to Comics & Gaming for all the latest news surrounding the next Xbox and all things gaming.